Specifications Table

Product Name – Citric acid, for molecular biology, anhydrous, RNase and Protease free
Quantity/Pack Size – 1KG
Form – Anhydrous powder
Grade – Molecular biology grade, RNase/protease-free
Application – pH buffering, chelation, nucleic acid extraction

Product Overview

This anhydrous citric acid is meticulously processed to eliminate RNase and protease contaminants, making it indispensable for molecular biology workflows where enzymatic integrity is critical. The powdered form ensures rapid dissolution in aqueous solutions, providing precise pH control (pKa values: 3.1, 4.8, 6.4) for buffering systems in DNA/RNA isolation protocols. Its low endotoxin levels (<0.1 EU/mg) minimize interference in downstream applications like PCR or sequencing. The high assay purity (≥99.5%) guarantees reproducible results, while the absence of heavy metals (Pb <5 ppm, As <1 ppm) prevents catalytic degradation of biomolecules. Packaged in a moisture-resistant container to maintain anhydrous stability, this grade meets USP/EP/JP pharmacopeial standards for analytical reliability. The fine particle size (90% <150 µm) enhances homogeneity in master mixes, and its chelating properties effectively sequester divalent cations that could inhibit enzymatic reactions. Compatible with most organic solvents (ethanol, DMSO) for specialized extractions, this citric acid variant outperforms technical grades in sensitivity assays.

FAQs

1. Is this citric acid suitable for preparing citrate buffers for antigen retrieval?

The anhydrous form and high purity make it excellent for preparing 10mM citrate buffer (pH 6.0) used in IHC antigen retrieval protocols, though you may need to adjust pH with NaOH.

2. How does this compare to food-grade citric acid for lab use?

Food-grade citric acid contains impurities like sulfates and heavy metals that interfere with molecular assays. This grade is purified to remove nucleic acid-degrading enzymes and metals.

3. Can it be autoclaved for sterile applications?

Yes, but we recommend preparing solutions in sterile water first, then autoclaving at 121°C for 15 minutes. The powder itself may degrade if directly autoclaved.

4. What’s the typical shelf life when stored properly?

When kept in the original sealed container at 15-25°C with desiccant, it remains stable for 36 months. Exposure to humidity converts it to monohydrate form.

5. Does this product contain any animal-derived components?

No, it’s synthesized chemically without animal-derived materials, making it suitable for vegan lab protocols and avoiding BSE/TSE risks.